Memorial Day....

[Greg Meyer]

Many times at night when the fear of what was to come would overtake me... When my thoughts about the men I had lost and knew I would lose again would flood my mind and rob me of the precious sleep I needed I found comfort in the words of a Civil War era song...



Today as I drove slowly through a cemetary with my wife to decorate a grave of a veteran (something we have done every Memorial Day) we choose at random... Just after the morning rain had passed and the sky was clearing with the sun shining down on row after row of white stones and small American flags as I mentally chose the stone in the distance...



As we walked toward my choice my mind again was filled with the music and the words... Music and words that calmed me and kept my mind clear and focused on the job at hand back then and now kept me from an emotional melt down so I could do the job at hand again... I want to share those words and music with you... Words that I am sure are still doing the same for some of our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and Coast Guardsmen all over the world and for those at peace words that can comfort their families... Words that carry the essence of this great Nation's mission... "To make men free"



I share with you the Battle Hymn of the Republic...



Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord;

He is trampling out the vintage where the grapes of wrath are stored;

He hath loosed the fateful lightning of His terrible swift sword;

His truth is marching on.

Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!

Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! His truth is marching on.



I have seen Him in the watch fires of a hundred circling camps

They have builded Him an altar in the evening dews and damps;

I can read His righteous sentence by the dim and flaring lamps;

His day is marching on.

Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!

Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! His day is marching on.



I have read a fiery Gospel writ in burnished rows of steel;

 

[Gilbert Scales2]

Greg, well said. I agree, we would not be doing what we do.... if it weren't for those brave men and women. I too, would like to thank all those who have served.



Bubby